Designation: D 85 – 87 (Reapproved 1999)

Standard Specification for

Ochre Pigment1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 85; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope Organic coloring matter none

1.1 This specification covers ferrous earthy pigment in-
cluded under the general term “ochre.” The pigment may be
purchased in the dry form.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 50 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Yellow, Or-
ange, Red, and Brown Pigments Containing Iron and
Manganese2
D 185 Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments,
Pastes, and Paints2
D 280 Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other
Matter Volatile under the Test Conditions) in Pigments2
D 387 Test Method for Color and Strength of Color Pig-
ments with a Mechanical Muller3
D 1208 Test Methods for Common Properties of Certain
Pigments2
3. Composition and Properties
3.1 The pigment shall be a hydrated oxide of iron permeat-
ing a siliceous base and shall be free from added impurities and
added coloring matter. The pigment shall conform to the
following requirements:
Ferric oxide, min, %
Calcium oxide, max, %
Lead chromate
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-1 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D 01.31 on Pigment Specifications.
Current edition approved June 26, 1987. Published August 1987. Originally
published as D 85 – 21. Last previous edition D 85 – 81 (1986)e1.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.03.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
Moisture and other volatile matter, max, % 1.0
Coarse particles (total residue retained on a No. 325 1.0
(45-µm) sieve), max, %
3.2 The mass color and character of the tint and the tinting
strength formed by a mixture with a white pigment shall be
within mutually agreed upon limits of a standard acceptable to
both the purchaser and the seller.
4. Sampling
4.1 Two samples shall be taken at random from different
packages from each lot, batch, day’s pack, or other unit of
production in a shipment. When no markings distinguishing
between units of production appear, samples shall be taken
from different packages in the ratio of two samples for each 5
tons (inch-pound or SI), except that for shipments of less than
10 000 lb two samples shall be taken. At the option of the
purchaser, the samples may be tested separately or after
blending in equal quantities the samples from the same
production unit to form a composite sample.
5. Test Methods
5.1 Tests shall be conducted in accordance with the follow-
ing ASTM test methods. Test procedures not covered by ASTM
methods shall be mutually agreed upon between the purchaser
17
5
and the seller.
none 5.2 Chemical Analysis of Dry Pigment— Test Methods
D 50.
5.3 Coarse Particles—Test Methods D 185.
5.4 Mass Color and Tinting Strength— Test Method D 387.
5.5 Volatile Matter—Test Methods D 1208.
5.6 Moisture—Test Methods D 280.
6. Keywords
6.1 ferrous; hydrated iron oxide; ochre; pigment

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 D 85

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